Gaint Granny Patch Blanket - Ta-daah!!

Hello my LOVELY people!

Wishing you all a fantastic New Year 2013 and hoping it will be filled with love, health and lots of crafty adventures.

I have something very special to show you guys today. After drooling over all the yummy pictures and posts of the famous StyleCraft DK yarn i gave in to temptation and ordered my first batch of this gorgeous yarn. You can read more about yarn info HERE.

Well i started this blanket way back in Sept 2012. Greatly inspired by Sandra of Cherry Heart's - Gaint Granny Patches. It was love at first sight. I knew i had to had to make something on the similar lines.. But the problem was i cannot have such a huge project on the move. Her's was a join-as-you-go one, which was an absolute no-no for me.. Had spent a few weeks in gathering up courage to do these small squares and later on join them - I though i will cross the bridge when it comes..and i gave birth to 2 kids normally, this can't be harder than that (yes, that's my yardstick now..he he) Thus began the journey of hooking my grannies..They grew from 1 to 100's. I sneaked in a few before meal-times, during nap-times, in-between cooking meals and stealing precious hours when everyone was asleep..

 They grew and grew and i finally had 672 squares! Mind you, i could have finished the blanket by now..But no, being me had to make things difficult. Then started the entire process of arranging the squares and joining them. With 18 colors to choose from this is not an easy task. I m not so much of a random fan and also i wanted an equal spread of the dark maroons and reds with the lighter pinks and blues and peaches..So i packaged the squares into 28 packets of 24 squares each..yes i am really happy i had a Degree in Engineering!!

..and then the joining began..

This was a slow task but it was TOTALLY worth it, i could plan and change as much as i wanted and also this is the ONLY way i could get this blanket done with 2 small kids and an even smaller house!!

I am feeling specially pleased and excited to show you the reveal..
Here you go...
..

Gaint Granny Patch Blanket Ta-daaah!!

Especially happy with the border. Used the design from 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton.
The block is Chocolate Box and I ended up just hooking the thin and thick rows as many times as i wanted.

 Palate of colors..

 Yours truly, trying to click a snap in the garden @ my apartment - onlookers thinking i am a crazy lady!

This makes my heart skip a beat..The back of the blanket! Maybe i like this more than the front..
I truly can't believe i had it in my to complete such a huge task..

Here's a look at some info you guys may wish to know:

Yarn : StyleCraft Special DK which can be ordered HERE. They provide the best and fastest delivery world-wide.
Colors :

From top left corner:

1.White - 1001
2. Turquoise - 1068
3.Clematis - 1390
4.Saffron - 1081
5.Shrimp - 1132
6.Fondant - 1241
7.Apricot - 1026
8.Lipstick - 1246
9. White again..
10.Mocha - 1064
11.Aspen - 1422
12.Plum - 1061
13.Meadow - 1065
14.Cloud Blue - 1019
15.Claret - 1123

Apart from these 14 colors i also added some metallic shades and 2 more:

1.Copper - 1029
2.Silver - 1203
3.Pale Rose - 1080
4.Spring Green - 1316

Totally 17 colors - one ball of 100g each and 5 whites 5x100g + 4 shades for the border = approx 2300gms.

Hook Size - 4.00 mm
Square Size : 2.5 x 2,5" / 6 x 6 cm
Square Pattern : Granny Square in 3 rounds. In case you need a TUTORIAL i used a very good one from Heather of Little Tin Bird.
Number of Squares: 672 - 28 rows of 24 squares each
Joining Method : Using SC - a tutorial with lots of pictures from Lucy of Attic24 HERE.
Border: Design from 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton.The block is Chocolate Box. 3" in thickness.
Blanket Size: 67 x 77 " / 170 x 195 cms
Ravelry Page Link HERE

 My labor of love, works best on the loved ones!!

It drapes over my bed and would be a comfort fit even for a king-size bed.

Me : Totally, utterly, jumpingly HAPPY!!!

When i began this journey i never thought i would get here, but yes 4 months and i am through it..It has been amazingly satisfying and comforting.

Loved sharing this with you guys, my special people... Do let me know what you think of this blanket. Also i have tried to give as much info as possible, still you need anything more, feel free to pop in and ask away..

Leaving you with a melody of pictures.

Have a great crafty year ahead..
Lots of love,
xxx